EN Plating On Aluminum

Aluminum is the substrate of choice for many high-end applications. Electroless nickel is a widely used plating process that enhances aluminum properties. Corrosion protection, improved hardness, lubricity and cosmetics are a few of the reasons why electroless nickel plating is applied to the aluminum substrate. Extensive complex machining has often been performed on the aluminum parts sent out for plating and therefore constitutes a significant investment for the customer. Knowledge of the plating shop and their experience helps to properly assess the right company to use for a project.

Two important questions to ask potential platers are:

1. Do they have a dedicated line set up to process aluminum parts?  Some companies may only have a few process tanks added to a line that is set up to process all substrates.
   
   The preparation process for aluminum is much different from steel, copper, brass, bronze, stainless and other materials. It should be handled differently from the beginning of the preparation process.
2. Does the processing of aluminum change for different alloys?
   
   Series 2000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 aluminum process differently. The plater should understand the differences and process the various alloys accordingly.

AST has a dedicated line for processing aluminum and has experience in processing parts in accordance to the requirements of ASTM B-733, AMS 2404 and MIL-C-26074 for every series of aluminum. AST also has experience in servicing products from high-end aerospace parts to those found on recreational equipment. For additional information and an initial job assessment, contact AST at 303-432-8500 or visit our web site at www.astfinishing.com.